Throughout the years, Sacred Heart Academy’s beloved choir and orchestra teacher, Mrs. Mehnovich, has brought her students to several locations to perform during February break. This year Mrs. M, accompanied with Ms. Nappychank, Mrs. Vitale, and Mrs. Levallois brought 42 students to Boston, Massachusetts on a three-day tour of the city.

The main attraction of the tour was the choir’s performance during the 12:15 P.M. Mass at Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel for Ash Wednesday. Our Lady of Good Voyage is a Catholic historic site and in Boston due to its rich history and beautiful architecture. Founded in 1952 by Cardinal Cushing, the Chapel was built by the seaport in order to recognize all those who devote their lives to working at sea. During this time, Boston’s fishing industry was skyrocketing, so placing the Chapel under the patronage of Our Lady of Good Voyage to protect and pray for all of those who work in the harbor. The architecture of the Chapel is inspired by parts of sacred scripture that reference fishing, specifically being “fishers of men,” as the paneling of the ceiling is inspired by the inside of a ship. There are also many model boats along the walls, as well as nautical colors throughout the building. Being able to sing in such a special place was a great honor for the Sacred Heart Academy Choir, as they were able to take part in such a wonderful tradition.

Next, the students visited several other famous attractions in Boston, such as the Boston Aquarium and Quincy Market, where the girls were able to sightsee in their small groups with the chaperones as they pleased. First, at the Aquarium, the students were able to explore the several story high building and attend an informational session at both the penguin and tidepool exhibits. There were many attractions within the aquarium as well, as around each turn, there was a new exhibit to be found with countless examples of sea life. Despite being contained within a relatively small space, the Boston Aquarium holds hundreds of species of fish, all of which surround the central staircase one climbs as they explore each new exhibit. The largest exhibit within the aquarium is found within the center of the central staircase. This tank is home to the famous sea turtles of the Boston Aquarium, whom one can watch swim around as one climbs the stairs. Second, at the Quincy Market, the students were able to explore the famous Boston shops and food vendors as they unwound from an action-filled day.

After interviewing several of the students who attended this trip, there was one commonality among all of them, how much everyone enjoyed their time in Boston with Mrs. M. The Sacred Heart Academy Choir would like to extend a warm “thank you,” to Mrs. M for planning this special experience, and to all of the teachers who attended as chaperones.